A new partnership between Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub and a Texas dental support organization means more than 1,000 affiliated practices across the U.S. now offer the company's aligners.

The efficiency and convenience offered through teledentistry services is something patients will continue to seek long after the pandemic ends, according to Brant Herman, co-founder and CEO of Metuchen, N.J.-based teledentistry company MouthWatch.

Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub has partnered with U.S. dental insurance provider MetLife, according to a Nov. 23 news release.

Seventy-five percent of dental providers predict an increased reliance on teledentistry in coming years, according to survey results released Nov. 19 by the DentaQuest Partnership.

Dentists have rapidly increased their use of teledentistry since the pandemic began, and 86 percent of patients reported being satisfied with the overall teledentistry experience, according to survey results released Nov. 19 by the DentaQuest Partnership.

SmileDirectClub added Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based DSO Unified Smiles to its partner network Nov. 19.

Nashville, Tenn.-based SmileDirectClub released its financial results for the third quarter ending Sept. 30.

The American Dental Association amended its teledentistry policy during its 2020 House of Delegates meeting.

As lack of access to dental care continues to be a problem threatening the systemic health of millions of Americans, more teledentistry startups are emerging to provide patients with virtual and affordable dental care and education.

Candid, a New York City-based teledentistry company that delivers clear aligners to patients, welcomed dental industry veteran Brian Ganey as senior vice president of sales Nov. 5.

SmileDirectClub, a Nashville, Tenn.-based teledentistry company that specializes in clear aligner therapy, has had an eventful year so far — complete with lawsuits, patents, new partnerships and more.

With increased demand for virtual visits for dental services, it's important for practice leaders to be aware of the legal and business implications of teledentistry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of teledentistry, but challenges from insurance companies, lawmakers and traditionally-minded dentists have hindered its widespread adoption, according to an Oct. 21 report from Kaiser Health News.

Young teledentistry company The TeleDentists partnered with healthcare services provider FlexCare Digital Health Oct. 13 to offer its services to more employees.

New Jersey-based dental startup Grin has shipped out about 5,000 units of its teledentistry system since the pandemic began, according to Bloomberg.

SmileDirectClub received patents for its electric toothbrush and Bluetooth-powered aligner case, the Nashville, Tenn.-based teledentistry company announced Oct. 6.

As use of teledentistry spikes amid the pandemic, all dentists must understand the following facts, per the American Dental Association's teledentistry policy.

Dental practices using Microsoft Windows Server as a domain controller should apply the security update Microsoft issued in August to avoid a cybersecurity incident, according to ADA News.

Many dentists have taken to teledentistry during the pandemic, but there may be effective ways to use the technology in the years to come.

UnitedHealthcare Dental is rolling out a new teledentistry platform to help dentists provide virtual care amid the pandemic and reduce preventable emergency room visits.